Lionsgate UK has unveiled the first official trailer for Glenrothan, the feature directorial debut of acclaimed Scottish actor Brian Cox. Premiering at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and later screening at the Rome Film Festival, the film marks Cox’s transition from powerhouse performer to filmmaker, crafting a tense, intimate drama about family, forgiveness, and legacy.
Set against the backdrop of a family-owned whisky distillery in the Scottish Highlands, Glenrothan follows two estranged brothers, Donal (Alan Cumming) and Sandy (Brian Cox), who confront decades of unresolved conflict. The story begins with a violent altercation on the day of their mother’s funeral, prompting Donal to leave for America. Forty years later, he returns, seeking reconciliation and the survival of the family business, while exploring the deep-seated wounds that have shaped both men.
The ensemble cast also includes Shirley Henderson, Alexandra Shipp, and Siobhan Redmond, each bringing depth to this story of fractured bonds and tentative redemption. TIFF highlighted that the film “digs deep into the complexities of familial ties and fissures, set against the proud but threatened tradition of making some of the world’s finest whisky,” and praised Alan Cumming’s performance as one of his richest to date. Cox, in front of and behind the camera, imbues every scene with emotional weight, history, and stubborn hope.
Glenrothan is directed by Brian Cox, who previously directed an episode of Oz in 2000, and written by David Ashton and Jeff Murphy. Produced by Nicholas Crum, Phin Glynn, Neil Zeiger, Vladimir Zemtsov, and Crystine Zhang, the film blends family drama, period authenticity, and the Highland’s scenic beauty, offering a story both intimate and cinematic in scope.
Lionsgate UK plans to release Glenrothan in UK theaters starting April 17, 2026, while a U.S. release has not yet been announced.
Check Out The Trailer: